Regions

The Diocese of Sale is divided into six geographic regions, with varying numbers of parishes and geographic spread. When regions were created in 1998 there were originally seven but in the rapidly growing western end of the diocese, the common interests of two regions prompted them to amalgamate in 2001.

EAST REGIONParishes: Bairnsdale, Omeo, Lakes Entrance, Orbost.Description: Covers a vast geographic area which includes most of Victoria's rugged hill country, the Gippsland Lakes and spectacular coast line. Population is small and declining as people leave the area seeking better employment opportunities elsewhere.

HEART REGIONParishes: Sale, Maffra, Heyfield.Description: This region is centred on the cathedral at Sale and while the three parishes centres are close geographically, the northern part of the region is mostly uninhabited mountains.

VALLEY REGIONParishes: Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Newborough, Moe.Description: The region based in the Latrobe Valley which comprising several large towns which mainly service the brown coal fired power stations.

CENTRAL REGIONParishes: Warragul, Trafalgar, DrouinDescription: A geographically compact region centred on Warragul. Mainly rural area, characterised by rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges to the south and foothills of the Great Dividing Range to the north.

WEST REGIONParishes: Iona-Maryknoll, Kooweerup, Pakenham, Berwick, Narre Warren, Cranbourne.Description: Rapidly growing region which is experiencing expansion of Melbourne suburbs into what was once predominantly a rural area.

SOUTH REGIONParishes: Yarram, Foster, Leongatha, Korumburra, Wonthaggi, CowesDescription: A massive region spread over 200km between the southern coastline and the Strzelecki Ranges. Mainly rural area with a string of towns serving the rural communities.